Scripturalist Islam

The History and Doctrines of the Akhbārī Shīʻī School

Plot

The Akhb?r? School dominated the intellectual landscape of Im?m? Shi?ism between the Seventeenth and early Nineteenth Centuries. Its principal doctrines involved a reliance on scripture (primarily the sayings or akhb?r of the Shi?ite Imams) and a rejection of the rational exegetical techniques which had become orthodox doctrine in Im?m? theology and law. However, the Akhb?r's were not simple literalists, as they are at times portrayed in secondary literature. They developed a complex theory of exegesis in which texts could be interpreted, whilst at the same time remaining doggedly committed to the ability of the revelatory texts to provide answers to theological and legal questions arising within the Sh community. This book is the first in-depth study of the intellectual development and historical influence of the Akhb?r? School.